Idris Mohammed
FCIArb (UK)
Managing Partner · Technology, AI & Telecommunications Lawyer · Arbitrator · Litigation & Appellate Counsel
Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003
Profile
Idris Mohammed is the Managing Partner of Fama Firm, where he provides strategic leadership, sets the Firm's policy direction and oversees its legal practice and business operations. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003, he is an experienced legal practitioner whose work spans telecommunications law, artificial intelligence and legal technology, arbitration, commercial litigation, appellate advocacy and corporate and commercial law.
With postgraduate studies in Telecommunications Law and Corporate and Commercial Law, Idris brings a combination of legal depth, commercial understanding and practical industry experience to complex transactions, regulatory challenges and high-value disputes. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom) and has extensive experience representing clients in domestic and international commercial disputes, including substantial contractual and infrastructure-related claims.
Certifications & Admissions
Credentials
FCIArb (UK)
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom)
Diploma
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom)
LL.B
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)
Postgraduate Diploma
Computer and Communications Law (Lond)
LL.M
Corporate & Commercial Law (Lond)
B.L
Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (B.L), Nigerian Law School
Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Telecommunications
Idris has developed a strong practice at the intersection of law, telecommunications and emerging technologies. He leads Fama Firm's work in AI adoption and legal technology, focusing on the practical application of artificial intelligence to legal research, drafting, document review, regulatory compliance and professional practice.
His telecommunications practice is founded on extensive experience advising operators, tower infrastructure companies and technology businesses on regulatory compliance, network deployment, site acquisition, property due diligence, commercial arrangements, dispute resolution and engagement with the Nigerian Communications Commission and other relevant authorities.
Through Fama ADR, he has delivered AI capacity-building programmes for judges of the Kaduna State High Court, legal practitioners, public-sector institutions and private organisations.
Selected Engagements
Industry Clients
He has led legal teams and provided legal services to major industry participants, including:
Swap Technologies & Telecommunications Plc
American Tower Corporation Nigeria Limited
Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (Etisalat)
Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited
MainOne Cable Company Limited
Sparkwest Industries
Starcomms Plc
Helios Towers Nigeria
His industry experience includes legal support for telecommunications rollout projects involving hundreds of sites across Northern Nigeria, as well as regulatory and commercial disputes within the telecommunications infrastructure sector.
AI Capacity Building & Speaking
His training engagements have addressed the use of AI in judicial proceedings, judgment preparation, legal drafting and professional support work. His approach combines practical application with an emphasis on confidentiality, professional responsibility, data protection and appropriate human oversight.
Idris has also been invited to speak on artificial intelligence, technology and telecommunications law at major professional gatherings, including the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in 2021 and 2023, as well as programmes organised by the NBA Section on Legal Practice in those years.
Professional Experience
Selected matters
Selected experience
- Successfully representing a Nigerian tower infrastructure company in a US$65 million claim against a major telecommunications company before an ad hoc arbitral tribunal.
- Successfully representing a Turkish national in a contractual dispute involving alleged breach of agreement and monetary claims against a Nigerian company.
- Representing a Nigerian tower company in a dispute arising from the termination of a lease agreement relating to one of its base transmission stations.
- Representing a client in a claim for ₦1.2 billion in damages against a multinational company.
- Leading a legal team representing a client in a ₦650 million contractual claim against a State Government.
His arbitration practice combines procedural knowledge, commercial judgment and a practical appreciation of the importance of effective dispute resolution, enforceability and cost management.
A notable highlight of his appellate practice was his involvement in Kabir Almu v. State (2009) 4 SCNJ 152, in which the Supreme Court quashed a conviction carrying the death penalty. His appellate experience also includes matters involving banking, commercial transactions, constitutional and public law, property and other civil disputes.
Reported and recorded appellate matters
- Inuwa Mohammed Mai v. Standard Trust Bank (2007) LPELR-8447 (CA).
- Alhaji Danasabe Abdullahi v. Gp. Capt. Stephen Ezra Hedima (2010) LPELR-3556 (CA).
- Nomau Alhaji Haruna Unguwar Garji v. Baraka Umaru Unguwar Garji (2007) All FWLR (Pt. 346) 494.
- Mallam Yahaya Bida v. Mrs. Jummai Luka Adamu, CA/K/329/2005.
- Abubakar Magaji Mansur v. Governor of Taraba State, CA/J/YL/8M/2011.
Trial and commercial litigation
His trial practice includes proceedings before the Lagos State High Court, the Federal High Court, the FCT High Court and the Kaduna State High Court. Notable matters include:
- Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Ltd v. Swap Technologies & Telecommunications Plc, Suit No. LD/1473CMW/2015.
- First Bank of Nigeria Ltd v. Swap Technologies & Telecommunications Plc, Suit No. FHC/L/CS/662/2015.
- Comenergy Managed Services Ltd v. Swap Technologies & Telecommunications Plc, Suit No. LD/2073CMW/2016.
Company Secretary
- AllStreams Energy Solutions Limited
- Jita & Properties Limited
- Inet Global Nigeria Limited
- Diamond Engineering Company Limited
- Web Porcelain Nigeria Limited
He also served as a Director of Swap Technologies & Telecommunications Plc and has represented a Nigerian tower infrastructure company in an anti-competition dispute involving a major participant in the tower-sharing industry before the Nigerian Communications Commission.
This combination of boardroom experience, corporate advisory work and contentious practice enables him to approach legal issues with an understanding of both the immediate dispute and its wider commercial implications.
Leadership & Professional Contribution
Beyond his legal practice, Idris is committed to professional development, institutional capacity-building and the responsible use of technology in the administration of justice. Through Fama ADR, he supports the development of arbitration and mediation practice and promotes the practical application of artificial intelligence in the legal profession.
His professional interests reflect a consistent focus on strengthening legal practice, improving dispute resolution and helping institutions and businesses respond effectively to changes in law, technology and commerce.
Focus
Core areas of practice
Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Telecommunications Law
Domestic and International Arbitration
Commercial Litigation & Appellate Advocacy
Corporate Governance & Company Secretarial Services
Corporate, Commercial & Contract Law
Regulatory Compliance & Dispute Management
Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution